Pope Leo calls on educators to let the Good News enlighten the senses

November 09, 2026

In an address at the Catholic University of Uruguay, Pope Leo XIV told educators that the “goal of the pastoral mission in education is for students, teachers and school administrators to hear, see, taste, touch and smell the Good News, allowing it to enlighten the senses” (video).

“In this way, all who belong to the educational community can grow and recognize more fully their inalienable dignity as human persons,” Pope Leo said his remarks at the Montevideo university on the evening of November 7, following his visit to a barrio parish.

The Pontiff invited the educators to “take a brief ‘journey’ through our five senses and, by reflecting on them, to rediscover the beauty of the Gospel and the grandeur of our humanity.”

In discussing the sense of sight, Pope Leo said that “contemplation is a form of evangelization within the cognitive process of attention, which is becoming increasingly difficult.”

“As progress is made in this regard, our children and young people attain the depth they long for, find spaces for silence and discernment, and become more accustomed to engaging in dialogue with their conscience and with God,” the Pope continued. “I invite you, then, to give contemplation a prominent place in your educational work.”

In discussing the other senses, the Pope said:

• “The Catholic education you are fostering is called to aid the educational community in recognizing the importance of touch, of fingers and of hands in promoting peace ... Those who feel embraced by the Father will inevitably become peacemakers.”
• Taste “evokes the notion of flavor and, with it, the wisdom that comes from experiencing, reflecting on and savoring. I am speaking of the wisdom that draws us closer to God’s goodness; the wisdom that makes us brothers and sisters; the wisdom that makes us saints ...Someone who gathers information without discernment, reflection and understanding of context cannot be considered wise.”
• “It is essential that we defend the sweet fragrance of the human person, grounded in the sweet fragrance of the Messiah. We need to proclaim anew that human life must be respected at every stage and in every condition. No one is to be rejected.”
• “Our Catholic education cannot be confined to a closed circle. Rather, it must learn to listen to families, civil society, political and administrative authorities, as well as representatives of the various economic sectors and professional groups ... Those who listen recognize others as a blessing, not as a threat. In Sacred Scripture, listening to the Lord is seen as an act of wisdom, prudence and justice (cf. Prov 1:2-5; 2:1-9).”

“Dear brothers and sisters, I ask you to continue on your journey, evangelizing and contemplating the whole person: ‘body and soul, heart and conscience, mind and will,’“ Pope Leo concluded. “We must not stop. Let us continue walking with him who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Once again, I express my appreciation for the educational work you carry out. Entrusting it to the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Seat of Wisdom, I cordially impart to you my Apostolic Blessing.”

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic journey to Uruguay: Meeting with the world of education at the Catholic University of Uruguay (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/7/26)
• Meeting with the world of Education at the Catholic University of Uruguay (Holy See Press Office, 11/7/26)
• Pope in Uruguay: ‘Other people are a blessing, not a threat’ (Vatican News, 11/7/26)